Michael Flores on Red Sternberg: ‘Happy-go-lucky’ onscreen, ‘serious’ offscreen
MANILA, Philippines — Red Sternberg brought good vibes with his bungisngis smile and humor in “TGIS” making people think that he is the same when the cameras stop rolling. His close friend and co-star Michael Flores remembers Red in a different light that might surprise his fans.
Red was cast as Kiko in the beloved ‘90s youth-oriented show. As Kiko, he was known for his charm and that goofy smile whenever he did his antics. In the show that explores teenage love and issues where almost all of the cast have their own love teams, Red was the comic relief in the barkada of teenagers composed of different types of personalities.
Michael, who played Mickey in the show, recalled a different Red. While he was light-hearted on camera, Michael said Red was more serious when he was not acting.
“Si Red kasi ‘yung role niya as Kiko, may pagka-happy-go-lucky na komedyante pero sa totoong buhay, seryoso siya. Hindi mo makikilala ‘yung totoong Red unless makilala mo talaga si Red,” Michael told Philstar.com in an exclusive interview.
“Kumbaga kami naging good friends kami, mag-kasama kami for a very long time. Kaya doon namin nakilala ‘yung totoong Red,” he added.
"TGIS" ran for four years, from 1995 to 1999 on GMA-7. Apart from Red and Michael, it also jumpstarted the careers of then-teen stars Angelu de Leon, Bobby Andrews, Ciara Sotto, Bernadette Allyson, Onemig Bondoc, Dingdong Dantes and Rica Peralejo. A majority of them are still active in showbiz.
Michael said that for most people who have seen Red off cam, they might be surprised by the stark difference from his TV personality.
“Pero 'pag hindi mo siya kilala, iisipin mo suplado, mataray. Ganoon siya e. Tsaka ang hilig mag-play time 'yan,” he revealed.
The latter part crossed his mind when he heard about his good friend’s passing last May.
“Actually nu'ng nag-post na when he passed away, nag-post sa Facebook niya, akala nga namin play time e,” Michael revealed.
Red’s demise sank in when they called his wife, Sandy. Red has been based in the United States with his wife and children.
Red died last May 27 due to a heart attack. He died three days before his 51st birthday, which would have been on May 30.
The TGIS barkada held a memorial service for Red, whose cremated remains were brought into the country by Sandy.
Red may have gone on to the other side, but he will be remembered for a long time. He may not be physically be present, but his memory will remain.
Michael told Philstar.com that they will push through with their reunion project, which Red was supposed to be part of.
The planned reunion project will be a special for a streaming platform. It will feature his “TGIS” co-stars including Bobby, Angelu de Leon, Ciara Sotto, Bernadette Allyson, and Rica Peralejo. — With reports by Dominique Nicole Flores
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